Over and out Dear Reader ….

This really is the last you will hear of our escapades over the past ten days, I promise you 😉 We are both now back into our ‘normal’ lives ( ok before you look at me quizzically and ask “ Normal?” ….all I’ll say is “ Normal for me !” ) …strange now to be without my Camino Buddy after our nine fantastic, but tough days together .

Yesterday was our final day away, and a day of rest ( I use that term loosely…but in comparison to our previous seven days, it was an absolute spa day 😉) We had booked a day sightseeing in Bilbao with our own personal guide ( always the best way to see a new city …and yes I know …for those of you who have known me for a long time, will know that Bilbao is not a new city for me at all .. ). First we had to get to our agreed meeting point …so we go to catch the bus !

No, Dear Reader .. these are not stray children that we happened to pick up at the bus stop … let me introduce you … from left to right …

We arrived at the appointed time to meet with our guide – not realising we already had an expert on the churches of Bilbao in our midst , three being pointed out to us on the short bus ride!!! More of that later . Our guide ( my son Tom 😉) met us off the bus and off we went, direction the Guggenheim Museum . However, our church specialist ( aka Izan) firstly pointed out

That’s all well and good … but Izan knows it because of the bells …which he really doesn’t like ( understatement) and chooses to avoid at all costs, so just as well it was up there and we were down here !!!

“Creativity is the key to unlocking endless possibilities”

I was struck by this on the back of Izan’s t- shirt , hence the photo … but how true that is 💙

Now off to lunch …yet another Church pointed out on our way…again to be avoided at all costs ….

And so to lunch , to a very nice barbecue restaurant called “ Bobby’s Gourmet Restaurant” …where amongst other things was a sharing platter …..

An altogether lovely and special time with family …and with that , Kathleen and I had to make tracks to the airport to catch our plane back to Manchester. We said our goodbyes and jumped in a taxi to the airport , and this is where our story of this Camino ends .

However, it seemed appropriate to share with you some of the lessons we learnt along this part of the way !

What goes up has to come down…and what goes down has to go up ….

Round every corner is probably another corner ….or more likely a hill!!!

Every mountain has its summit …even if it’s the highest in the Pyrenees…,

Small acts of kindness can and do make a big difference 😘

A smile translates into every language…

The Camino teaches you many things … one of the most important being humility

Don’t believe everything you are told …

Compostable toilets may be environmentally friendly, but keep them away from Kathleen and I …..please 🙏

Wine gives you strength and vitality 🍷😉

A cold beer served in a glass stored in a freezer is essential after a day’s walking 🍺

For two sixty somethings we were much fitter than we realised …

Remember the race between the hare and the tortoise …and who won ? 😉😉😉

There are wazzocks in all walks of life …even on the Camino

If it looks dangerous … tread carefully…

Tortilla de patata is so good as a mid morning snack…

Beware the voluminous passenger!

The Amazon man really does go everywhere …

The 7 P’s make a significant difference …..

Never let your fear define your destiny ….

Finally ( yes really!) we both have so many lovey and special friends and family who have followed us both on this journey ..we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, be sure to know your support has been both invaluable and much appreciated and helped get us through the tricky bits …along with our poles of course !!😘😘

Thank you 😘